UK crowd storms mosque, fights with police over three children being stabbed

Large-scale violence erupted in Southport, England, following a vigil for three young girls who were tragically killed in a knife attack at a Taylor Swift-themed dance workshop. The violence was instigated by far-right protesters, believed to be affiliated with the English Defence League, who clashed with police and attacked a mosque. The attack came after rumors circulated on social media suggesting a connection between the 17-year-old suspect and Islam, which authorities have since debunked. 

The tragic incident began on Monday at the Hart Space studio in Hart Street, where six-year-old Bebe King, seven-year-old Elsie Dot Stancombe, and nine-year-old Alice Dasilva Aguiar lost their lives. Following the incident, a peaceful vigil was held on Tuesday evening in Southport's town center, drawing over 1,000 people who gathered to pay tribute and show solidarity with the victims’ families.

However, the mood shifted dramatically when a group of protesters, fueled by social media rumors, assembled near a mosque. The peaceful atmosphere quickly disintegrated into chaos as the protesters clashed with police. The situation escalated as the group began to attack the mosque, hurling bricks, bottles, fireworks, and rocks. In response, officers donned protective gear and used riot shields to fend off the onslaught. The violence extended to the police, with a vehicle being set on fire amidst the chaos.

The violence resulted in significant injuries, with thirty-nine Merseyside Police officers hurt and twenty-seven hospitalized. Among the injured, eight officers sustained serious injuries including fractures and lacerations, and three police dogs were also affected.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper denounced the violence as "attacks from thugs on the streets," while Southport MP Patrick Hurley condemned the perpetrators as "thugs" who were exploiting the tragedy for political gain. Assistant Chief Constable Alex Goss described the situation as "sickening" and called for witnesses to come forward with information.

The Home Secretary also highlighted concerns over disinformation related to the attack, and the Muslim Council of Britain condemned the scenes of far-right rioters attacking a mosque as an Islamophobic backlash. In response, UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer promised that those involved in the riots would "feel the full force of the law" and criticized them for "hijacking the vigil with violence and thuggery."

To address the unrest, a 24-hour Section 60 Order was implemented, granting police additional stop-and-search powers, and a Section 34 Order was introduced to direct people engaging in antisocial behavior away from the area. Extra officers have been deployed to provide a visible presence and reassure the community.

The violence has left Southport’s community shaken and fearful, as residents witnessed the escalating chaos and police efforts to control the situation. The incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with calls for unity against "the cynical forces of hatred and division" and a strong message that such acts of violence will not be tolerated.